Child&#39;s Travel Tray

ABSTRACT

A device that is selectively interconnectable to a child&#39;s seat is provided. More specifically, the device is a travel tray that is adapted to selectively interconnect to a child safety seat, a stroller, a seat at a sports venue, or an airplane seat. The device may be constructed of compliant material that is adapted to receive and secure a plurality of cups and various other items with drink holders and pockets. Furthermore, the device may include a rigid area, wherein a child is provided with a location that is more stable in which to read, draw, or play.

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patentapplication Ser. No. 29/256,462, filed Mar. 20, 2006, which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/698,776,filed Oct. 31, 2003, now abandoned, both applications being incorporatedby reference in their entireties herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device that is adapted forselective interconnection to a child's seat, such as a car safety seator a stroller. One embodiment of the present invention includes one ormore locations adapted to receive and secure a drink holder and mayemploy a reinforced area adapted for play or drawing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automobile child safety seats are required by law in many jurisdictionsof the United States. That is, caretakers of young children are oftenmandated to restrain their child in government approved restraint seatswhile the child is seated in the automobile, thereby reducing theprobability of injury to the child in the event of an accident. Toincrease safety, many public transportation systems accommodate childsafety seats. Child safety seats provide a location for comfortablyseating a child, a mechanism for securing the child therein, andlocations wherein the child safety seat is attached to the interior ofthe automobile. Many jurisdictions also dictate that children be seatedin the rear compartment of an automobile to further avoid serious injuryto the child due to a collision or from airbag deployment, which aregenerally located in the front compartment of the automobile.

Since children are usually seated in the rear compartment of anautomobile for protection, driver interaction with the child ispractically impossible and often dangerous. Alternatively, if two peopleare in the car together, one often sits in the rear to tend to thechild, making conversation between the two adults distracting anddifficult. As most parents will appreciate, children tend to becomebored without a sufficient amount of stimulation when driving on longcar trips, which can lead to distraction of the driver of the automobileif the child becomes disruptive. Many automobiles employ entertainmentdevices to occupy children, such as DVD players, VCR players, and videogames, either integrated into the ceiling or front seats of theautomobile. Although these entertainment means provide children withsufficient stimulation during a trip, many parents either cannot affordan automobile that includes these amenities or do not wish theirchildren to watch too much TV, for example. Thus, the child is left tohis or her own devices during a long journey, which often leads todisruptive behavior.

Further during extended automobile trips and airline flights, childrenare in need of food or entertainment as well. Since airline practicesgenerally dictate that during the flight passengers should be securelyseat belted, feeding and interaction with the child is difficult. Morespecifically, the side-by-side seating arrangement of many aircraftrenders child interaction difficult because the caretaker of the childmust twist somewhat to face the child.

In addition, parents usually find interacting with their childrendifficult when using a stroller, because their main function is to pushthe stroller while performing everyday activities, such as groceryshopping. Thus, as described above, the child is potentiallyunstimulated.

Thus, there is a long felt need in the area of childcare to provide anapparatus that is adapted to selectively interface with a child's seatthat allows the caretakers to perform their normal duties, whileproviding enough mental stimulation to the children in their care.

The following disclosure describes a device that is adapted forselective interconnection to a child safety seat, a stroller, anairplane seat, or any seat adapted to receive a child, wherein pockets,holders and play areas are provided such that the child will have anincreased ability to play, store a beverage, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a tray that isadapted for selective interconnection to a child safety seat generallyused in automobiles. More specifically, one embodiment of the presentinvention is adapted to selectively interconnect with a child safetyseat through the use of hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers,“C”-channels, latches, etc. Preferably, one embodiment of the presentinvention is provided with hook and loop fasteners, wherein thecaretaker interconnects, with glue for example, one side of the fastenerto the child safety seat and wherein the other mating surface of thefastener is interconnected to the tray. Upon seating a child andstrapping them in safely into the child safety seat, the caretakersimply drapes the tray over the child's legs, thereby providing an areafor play and storage. The tray is secured to the child safety seat byselectively interconnecting the hook and loop material halves togetheron both sides. Alternatively, the tray of the present invention may berigidly interconnected to one side of the safety seat via screws orbolts, wherein the other side is selectively interconnected thereto toprovide a hinged interconnection scheme.

It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a tray thatis adapted to interface with other child seating devices such as anairplane seat, a stroller seat or a high chair. With respect to anairplane seat, it is envisioned that magnets or other selectiveinterconnection devices be employed to interconnect the tray to theexisting arms of airplane seats. Alternatively, the tray of the presentinvention may be supplied with sleeves that slide onto the two arms ofthe air seats that are generally located on all commercial aircraft,thereby providing a stable foundation for which to support the tray.With respect to a baby stroller, the same interconnection methoddescribed above may be used. More specifically, one embodiment of thepresent invention provides the consumer with a hook and loop fastenersystem, wherein one side of the fastener is permanently secured to anexisting baby stroller. It is another aspect of the present invention toinclude a plurality of pockets integrated into the tray to providelocations wherein toys, books, or other items, generally used withchildren, may be stored. More specifically, one embodiment of thepresent invention provides at least two mesh pockets that are adapted tohold items such as crayons, markers, drawing paper, baby bottles, videogames, diapers, etc. In addition, as will be described in greater detailbelow, the present invention also includes a reinforced area for play.The reinforced area of one embodiment is adapted to be used for drawingand may include a plurality of pen holders or pockets to hold drawingsupplies.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a location fordrawing. In one embodiment of the present invention, rigid material,such as plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, tin, etc., is selectivelyinterconnected to a portion of the tray that rests generally over thechild's lap, thereby providing an area for playing or drawing. In arelated embodiment of the present invention, the rigid portion isremovable, such that the tray may be used in a plurality of situations,depending on the needs of the child.

Another embodiment of the invention integrates a wipe on/wipe off boardinto a portion of the tray that is positioned over the child's lap,which is repeatedly used with non-permanent markers, thereby reducingclutter in the automobile. In addition, games such as tic-tac toe,etch-a-sketch, road bingo, etc., may be employed on the lap portion ofthe tray to provide entertainment to a child. The tray may also includea magnetic surface or a surface with hook and loop fasteners thatprovide a location for selective interconnection of magnetized blocks ortoys with hook and loop material thereon, for example.

Another related aspect of the present invention is that it be capable ofdisplaying video images directly on the lap portion of the tray. Morespecifically, as DVD players and computer screens become thinner, it isenvisioned that such a screen therefore be integrated into the tray suchthat the addition of a power cord and video feed cord may be integratedinto the present invention, wherein a child's favorite movies, games, oreducational computer programs would be displayed thereon. Alternatively,the tray may be adapted to receive a tablet type computer, wherein thepower source and the video feed capabilities are included therein.

It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a tray thatmay selectively secure a cup, can, plastic bottle, or other beveragestorage device. More specifically, one embodiment of the presentinvention includes at least one drink holder. Preferably, the drinkholders of the present invention are made of a mesh material.Alternatively, the drink holders are of a non-mesh material and areadapted to hold other items such as toys, crayons, tissues, pacifiers,snacks, etc.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is that it be constructed ofcost effective materials. Preferably, one embodiment of the presentinvention is constructed from nylon, wherein the pockets and cup holdersare sewn in one unit. Alternatively, other compliant materials, such ascloth, may be employed that provide an easily maintainable andrepairable tray. One advantage of many compliant materials is theirresistance to fluids, wherein spills may be contained on the tray. Oneembodiment of the present invention is hand or machine washable. Inaddition, a compliant tray is easily folded for storage. Alternatively,the present invention may be constructed, at least partly, from a rigidmaterial to provide a more stable play location.

As should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the presentinvention may be easily scaled to any size or be constructed of anycolor material. In addition, it is envisioned that company logos, orbrightly colored objects be integrated on the tray to provide additionalvisual stimulation to the child.

Thus it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a travel traythat selectively interconnects to a child safety seat comprising:

a surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interioredge, and an exterior edge, wherein said surface is adapted forpositioning over the lap of a child sitting in the child's seat;

a left fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said left edge ofsaid surface, wherein said left fastening mechanism is adapted forselective interconnection to the left arm of the child's seat;

a right fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said right edgeof said surface, wherein said right fastening mechanism is adapted forselective interconnection to the right arm of the child's seat; and

wherein said surface is made of a compliant material and is adapted toreceive a substantially rigid panel that is positioned proximate to thechild's lap and is adapted to support at least one of a toy, a book, anda play device when said left fastening mechanism and said rightfastening mechanism are selectively interconnected to the left arm andthe right arm of the child's seat.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it beconstrued as being representative of the full extent and scope of thepresent invention. The present invention is set forth in various levelsof detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attacheddrawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitationas to the scope of the present invention is intended by either theinclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summaryof the Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description of the invention given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a tray of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,wherein the present invention is selectively interconnected to a child'ssafety seat and draped over a child's legs;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein drink holders are omitted;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, which includes a centralized drink holder and an enlargedrigid panel;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, which includes a single drink holder and an enlarged rigidpanel;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention, that is shown selectively interconnected to a child's safetyseat and draped over a child's legs;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 7 further including side pockets;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a right elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 22; and

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 22.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details which are not necessary for anunderstanding of the invention or which render other details difficultto perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course,that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments illustrated herein.

To assist in the understanding of the present invention the followinglist of components and associated numbering found in the drawings isprovided herein: # Component 2 Tray 4 Pocket 6 Drink Holder 8 RigidPanel 10 Child Safety Seat 12 Exterior Edge 14 Interior Edge 16 LeftEdge 18 Right Edge 20 Child 22 Fastening Mechanism 24 Second FasteningMechanism 26 Toy 28 TV or computer monitor 30 Game 32 Chalk board 34Wipe on/wipe off board 35 Play Surface 36 Strap 38 Clasp 40 Lip 42 SidePanel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-25, a tray 2 of the present invention is shown.More specifically, the tray 2, which is generally comprised of acompliant material, employs a plurality of pockets 4 and a plurality ofdrink holders 6 along with a rigid panel 8 for play. The tray 2 of thepresent invention is constructed generally of a rectangular piece ofcompliant material that is adapted to selectively deflect and conform toa child's safety seat 14. The tray 2 of one embodiment of the presentinvention includes an exterior edge 12, an interior edge 14, a left edge16 and a right edge 18. The rigid panel 8 is designed to lay across thelap of a child 20 such that he or she is afforded a stiffened locationin which to play or write.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tray 2 of one embodiment of theinvention includes a rectangular piece of compliant material thatincludes an exterior edge 12, an interior edge 14, a left edge 16, aright edge 18, a plurality of drink holders 6, and a plurality ofpockets 4. In addition, a substantially rigid panel 8 is providedthereby providing a stable play or drawing area. One skilled in the artwill appreciate that the location and size of the tray 2 may be alteredto fit many types of child seating arrangements. For example, thepresent invention may be scaled up or down to fit stroller chairs,safety chairs, chairs in airplanes, stadium chairs, etc. In addition,the dimensions and locations of the drink holders 6, and pockets 4, andrigid panel 8 may be shaped and scaled in a plurality of ways.Preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, the drinkholders 6 are between approximately 2 and 5 inches in diameter. In apreferred embodiment the drink holders are approximately 3½ inches indiameter. The right edge 18 and left edge 16 of one embodiment arebetween approximately 7 and 11 inches long. In a preferred embodimentthe right edge 18 and left edge 16 are about 9 inches long. The exterioredge 12 and interior edge 14 are between approximately 30 and 34 incheslong in one embodiment and in a preferred embodiment are about 32 incheslong. The pocket 4 depth is between approximately 3 and 5 inches deep inone embodiment of the present invention. However, as mentioned above,one skilled in the art will appreciate that the edges are not requiredto be of equal length, and many shapes may be created with respect tothe compliant material without departing from the scope of theinvention.

As shown, the pockets 4 are created of a mesh material to facilitate thelocation and viewing of the items contained therein. Alternatively, asolid pocket may be used, or the pocket may be omitted altogether. Asseen more distinctly in FIG. 2, a fastening mechanism 22 is alsoincluded proximate to the left edge 16 and right edge 18 of the presentinvention. The fastening mechanism 22, preferably, in one embodiment ofthe present invention, is a hook and loop fastener that extends thelength of both edges and that selectively interconnects to a secondfastening member interconnected to the child safety seat. Alternatively,other fasteners such as snaps, latches, zippers, bolts, screws, “C”channels, etc., may be used to selectively fasten the tray 2 to thechild seating area.

Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the present inventionselectively interconnected to a child safety seat 10 is shown. Thepresent invention is adapted to selectively interface with a fasteningmechanism 24 on the child seat. The fastening mechanism 24 isinterconnected to the seat 10 by a child's caretaker prior to attachingthe tray 2. Preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, thecaretaker interconnects, via glue, screws, zippers, snaps, etc., thefastening mechanism 24 that is adapted to selectively interconnect withthe fastening mechanism 22 on the tray 2. Alternatively, other types offastening mechanisms such as sleeves, clamps, magnets, etc., may be usedto selectively interconnect the tray 2 to a chair that cannot bepermanently altered, such as an airplane seat or a chair at a sportsvenue. As shown herein, the tray rests on or about the lap of the child20, wherein compliant material selectively deflects and interfaces withthe fastening mechanism 24. Thus, the drink holders 6 of one embodimentof the present invention are designed to straddle the legs of the child20 and the rigid panel 8 provides sufficient location for play over thechild's 20 lap. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentinvention may employ a rigid material, as described above, such thatcertain compliant areas are integrated therein to allow for theconnection to the child seating area as shown. In addition, as shownherein, the exterior edge 12 faces away from the child 20. However, thepresent invention is designed to easily be reversed such that theexterior edge 12 is closer to the child 20, thereby locating the drinkholders 6 closer to the child 20 so that children of smaller stature mayreach their drinks or snacks.

Further, it is envisioned that the rigid panel 8 be either sewn into thecompliant tray 2 or adapted to be selectively removed therefrom. Morespecifically, one embodiment of the present invention is provided with apouch such that rigid material may be selectively interconnectedthereto, thus providing a means to effectively clean the presentinvention, for example. A second alternative embodiment of the presentinvention includes a selectively interconnectable rigid panel 8. Thisembodiment of the present invention includes a fastening mechanismbetween the rigid panel 8 and compliant material halves, such that therigid panel 8 may be separated from the compliant portions. Thisembodiment is envisioned to be used possibly with the previouslymentioned embodiments that include touch screens or computer monitors,for example, wherein the compliant side panels are interconnected to thecomputer monitor and thus capable of being removed, cleaned or repaired.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of the tray 2 is shownthat omits drink holders. It may be desirable not to allow a child tohave access to snacks or food. In this embodiment of the presentinvention, the child is limited to the pockets 4 and the rigid panel 8.However, other embodiments may be created wherein the pockets 4 are alsoomitted. Further, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art thatthe drink holders may be constructed wherein they are selectivelyinterconnected to the tray such that they are removable, wherein theapertures left after removal may be covered by patches that are alsoselectively interconnected to the tray.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the tray 2 that includesa centralized drink holder 6 and larger rigid panel 8 is shown herein.This embodiment of the present invention is adapted to interface withthe child seating area wherein the child's legs can straddle the drinkholder 6. Also, the rigid panel 8 member is contoured to the shape ofthe drink holder 6. It is important to note that the rigid panel 8 ofthis and all embodiments of the present invention are envisioned toeither be selectively interconnected to the tray 2 or rigidly connectedthereto.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the tray 2 is shownherein. This embodiment of the present invention provides a drink holder6 that is oriented to one side of the child and a larger rigid panel 8.As it has been shown above, any combination or orientation of the drinkholder 6, rigid panel 8, and pockets 4 may be employed without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 7-13, another embodiment of the present inventionis shown. More specifically, some embodiments of the present inventioninclude an upward extending lip 40 depending from at least one of theleft edge 16, right edge 18 and exterior edge 12. The lip 40 defines asemi-enclosed play surface 35 that substantially prevents items fromslipping therefrom. In addition, embodiments of the present inventionemploy a strap 36 interconnected to the tray 2 via at least one clasp38. Clasps 38 as shown herein are common in the art and are generallymade of resiliently deflectable plastic components. However, one skilledin the art will appreciate the other interconnecting mechanism may beemployed without departing from the scope of the invention. As inpreviously described embodiments of the present invention, side panelsmay also be included that extend downwardly from the play surface 35.The side panels 42 provide a location for the interconnection of apocket as described above. The strap 36 is adapted to be positionedabout the side and rear portions of a child safety seat 10 such that theinterior edge 14 is positioned adjacent to the child 20 and the sidepanels 42 are draped over the sides of the child safety seat 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, yet another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. This embodiment of the present invention is similarto that previously described, however the side panels 42 are omitted anda contoured interior edge 14 is provided. The lip 40 is also includedthat extends upwardly from the play surface 35.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, yet another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. Here, the tray 2 includes the upperwardly extendinglip 40 as described above along with side panels 42 that depend from theleft and right edges of the play surface 35. However, the side panels 42do not include pockets and are contemplated to be used for seatprotection. More specifically, one skilled in the art will appreciatethat side panels 42 as shown and described herein may be tucked betweenthe child and the interior portion of the child's safety seat, whereinany spills would be directed to the inside of the child safety seatinstead of the automobile upholstery.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-25, yet another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. The tray 2 of this embodiment of the presentinvention includes a play surface 35 that has an arcuate exterior edge.This embodiment of the present invention is presented to illustrate thepoint that the child tray 2 as shown and described herein may befashioned of any conceivable size and shape without departing from thescope of the invention.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are withinthe scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. A portable tray adapted for selective interconnection to a child'sseat, comprising: a surface that is defined by a left edge, a rightedge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said surface isadapted for positioning over the lap of a child sitting in the child'sseat; a left fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said leftedge of said surface, wherein said left fastening mechanism is adaptedfor selective interconnection to the left arm of the child's seat; aright fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said right edge ofsaid surface, wherein said right fastening mechanism is adapted forselective interconnection to the right arm of the child's seat; andwherein said surface is made of a compliant material and is adapted toreceive a substantially rigid panel that is positioned proximate to thechild's lap and is adapted to support at least one of a toy, a book, anda play device when said left fastening mechanism and said rightfastening mechanism are selectively interconnected to the left arm andthe right arm of the child's seat.
 2. The tray of claim 1, furthercomprising: at least one drink holder that includes a substantiallycylindrical side wall and a bottom surface, which is interconnected tosaid surface of said tray, wherein said bottom surface is generallyparallel to said surface of said tray.
 3. The tray of claim 1, furthercomprising: a left pocket interconnected to said surface proximate tosaid left edge of said surface; and a right pocket interconnected tosaid surface proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein saidleft pocket and said right pocket are adapted to receive at least one ofa toy, a diaper, a bottle, a writing device, a piece of paper, a book,and a food item.
 4. The tray of claim 1, wherein said substantiallyrigid panel is selectively interconnected to said surface.
 5. The trayof claim 1, wherein said left fastening mechanism and said rightfastening mechanism, are constructed of hook and loop fastening members.6. The tray of claim 1, further comprising two drink holders, whichinclude generally cylindrical side walls and bottom surfaces that areinterconnected to said surface of said tray, wherein said bottomsurfaces are generally parallel to said surface of said tray, and wheresaid two drink holders are adapted to be positioned proximate to theoutside of the child's legs when said surface is positioned over thechild's legs; a left mesh pocket interconnected to said surfaceproximate to said left edge of said surface; and a right mesh pocketinterconnected to said surface proximate to said right edge of saidsurface, wherein said left mesh pocket and said right mesh pocket areadapted to receive at least one of a toy, a diaper, a bottle, a writingdevice, a piece of paper, a book and a food item.
 7. A portable trayadapted for selective interconnection to a child's seat, comprising: asubstantially compliant surface that is defined by a left edge, a rightedge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said substantiallycompliant surface is adapted to be placed over the lap of a seatedchild; a left fastening means interconnected to said left edge, whereinsaid left fastening means is adapted to selectively interconnectproximate to the left arm of the child's seat; a right fastening meansinterconnected to said right edge, wherein said right fastening means isadapted to selectively interconnect proximate to the right arm of thechild's seat; at least one drink securing means that is generallycylindrical with a bottom surface, and which is interconnected to saidsubstantially compliant surface, wherein access is gained through anaperture integrated into said substantially compliant surface; and atleast one pocket that spans approximately from said external edge tosaid internal edge and positioned proximate to said left edge or saidright edge, said at least one pocket adapted for at least one of a toy,a diaper, a bottle, a writing device, a piece of paper, a book, and afood item.
 8. The tray of claim 7, wherein said substantially compliantsurface is constructed from at least one of a nylon, a cotton, a rubber,and a neoprene material.
 9. The tray of claim 7, wherein saidsubstantially compliant surface is adapted to receive a substantiallyrigid panel.
 10. The tray of claim 7, wherein said left fastening meansand said right fastening means are constructed from at least one of alatch, a snap, a clasp, a latch, a “C”-channel, a magnet, a sleeve, anda hook and loop member.
 11. A portable tray, adapted for selectiveengagement with a child's seat, comprising: a play surface that isdefined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterioredge, wherein said play surface is adapted for positioning over the lapof a child sitting in the child's seat, said play surface also includinga lip depending from at least one of said left edge, said right edge andsaid exterior edge, said lip generally prevents play items positioned onsaid play surface from sliding therefrom; and a strap interconnected tosaid play surface that is adapted to engage the child's seat.
 12. Theportable tray of claim 11, further comprising: a side panel extendingfrom at least one of said left edge and said right edge.
 13. Theportable tray of claim 12, wherein said side panel includes a pocket.14. The portable tray of claim 11, wherein said play surface is adaptedto selectively receive a rigid panel.
 15. The portable tray of claim 11,wherein said strap has a first end and a second end that are eachinterconnected to said interior edge and is selectively divided by ameans for fastening.
 16. The portable tray of claim 11, wherein at leastone of said interior surface and said exterior surface is arcuate.
 17. Aplay device adapted for selective interconnection to a child's safetyseat, comprising: a play surface having a left edge, a right edge, aninterior edge, and an exterior edge that is selectively positionableover the lap of a seated child; a left means for fasteninginterconnected adjacent to said left edge, said left means for fasteningis adapted to selectively interconnect to the left side of the child'ssafety seat; a right means for fastening interconnected adjacent to saidright edge, said right means for fastening is adapted to selectivelyinterconnect to the right side of the child's safety seat; a lipextending from at least one of said left edge, said right edge, saidinterior edge and said exterior edge; and a side panel with a pocketextending from at least one of said left edge and said right edge. 18.The play device of claim 17, wherein said play surface is adapted toselectively receive a panel.
 19. The play device of claim 18, whereinsaid panel is made of plastic.
 20. The play device of claim 17, furthercomprising a strap interconnected to said play surface that is adaptedto engage the child's safety seat.
 21. The play device of claim 20,wherein said strap includes a means for selective interconnection.
 22. Amethod of making a child's travel tray, comprising: providing a playsurface with a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and anexterior edge; interconnecting a left means for fastening adjacent tosaid left edge; interconnecting a right means for fastening adjacent tosaid right edge; interconnecting a panel with a pocket to at least oneof said left edge and said right edge; and interconnecting a lip to atleast one of said left edge, said right edge, said interior edge andsaid exterior edge.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprisingselectively interconnecting a panel to said play surface.
 24. The methodof claim 23, wherein said panel is made of plastic.